Ascona, a small town which lies 196 meters above sea level is bordered by the Alps to the north, creating a subtropical climate in which palm trees and citrus trees can thrive right alongside the alpine vegetation. It’s no surprise that one of the region’s most luxurious hotels is located here. The Hotel Eden Roc is just a five-minute walk from Ascona’s car-free waterfront promenade.

The light-colored façade, framed by perfectly clipped boxwood trees, immediately evokes the effortless elegance of Italian dolce vita, with the Ticino mountains creating a spectacular backdrop. This timeless aesthetic continues throughout the hotel’s 95 rooms and suites, all designed by renowned Ticino designer Carlo Rampazzi. His style is characterized by a bold, vibrant, yet luxurious aesthetic that makes full use of natural light.

Rampazzi’s interior design rejects the sleek minimalism of modernism not through color alone, but through a profound exploration of silhouette. The furniture and architectural elements function as independent sculptures within the space. Neo-Baroque, sweeping lines are paired here with the geometric clarity of cubic structures. A soft, organic curve of an armchair stands out strikingly against the hard, orthogonal lines of the window frames, which captured the panorama of Lake Maggiore like a graphic grid.

This look is enhanced by a curated selection of sourced objects, such as sculptures, Chinese vases and traditional Scandinavian woven rugs. Upon entering the Eden Roc’s 2,000-square-meter spa area, this unique design philosophy continues. It is a spatial composition that draws entirely on the rhythm of flowing lines, monolithic blocks and elemental textures. An ideal place for mindful tranquility and deep relaxation.

Architecture is also always a reflection of history: The restaurant La Casetta is a particular gem within this context. The small and charming boathouse is situated close to the hotel’s private beach which today exudes an idyllic atmosphere. But appearances can be deceiving: In 1945, this building became the epicenter of world politics. Under the codename Operation Sunrise, the negotiations that ultimately brought the Second World War in Italy to an end were conducted within these walls. Today, right on the shores of Lake Maggiore, guests can enjoy the finest fish dishes and Mediterranean specialties prepared by Chef Nicola Montalti. The menu features classics such as clam risotto, turbot with zucchini and grilled beef tenderloin with black truffle. With 2 Michelin stars and 19 GaultMillau points, La Brezza is another highlight of the hotel. Executive Chef Marco Campanella, who was named “Rising Star of the Year 2023” and “Chef of the Year 2025” by GaultMillau, creates light and fresh dishes. His Inspiration Menu features several courses, including creative dishes including yellowtail mackerel, lobster and salmon. In contrast, the Moving Mountains offers a vegetarian menu with creative dishes with beetroot, celeriac, beluga lentils and albula potatoes.

The long-established Italian manufacturer Riva has been the epitome of high-end luxury and lavish joie de vivre for many decades. The Hotel Eden Roc Ascona has two iconic boats in its fleet that can be booked for trips lasting up to several hours. The classic Riva Aquarama is the ultimate symbol of the Mediterranean jet set of the 1960s, while the Riva Rivale 52 promises contemporary luxury.